Mission: Not Impossible! Your Guide to San Antonio's Historic Gems
Ever heard of San Antonio? No? Well, it's a city in Texas with a ton of character, from its world-famous Riverwalk to its undeniable obsession with breakfast tacos (don't judge, they're life-changing). But nestled amongst the modern madness are these incredible historic sites called the San Antonio Missions. Now, you might be thinking "Missions? Sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry." But hold onto your sombreros, because these ain't your average snooze-fest museums!
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| What Are San Antonio Missions |
Time Travel Tuesdays (and Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays...)
The San Antonio Missions are a collection of five fascinating outposts built by Spanish missionaries way back in the 1700s. Think "historical Disneyland," minus the giant mouse ears (although, come to think of it, a giant missionary Mickey hat would be pretty epic). These missions were built to spread Catholicism and create self-sufficient communities, with Spanish colonists and indigenous people living and working together. It wasn't all sunshine and roses, of course, but it's a window into a time when Texas was a whole different ball game.
Four Out of Five Missions Recommend This Experience
There are actually five missions, but four of them - Mission Concepci�n, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada - make up the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, which is kind of a big deal because it's the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in all of Texas (say that ten times fast). That means these missions are super important and seriously cool!
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
Each mission has its own unique charm. Mission San Jose is the crown jewel, boasting beautiful architecture and stunning frescoes. Mission Concepci�n is the oldest one, and Mission Espada has a sweet little aqueduct that's a total Texas treasure. Even Mission San Juan, which is partially in ruins, has a certain mystique.
Okay, So What Can You Actually Do There?
Here's the best part: The San Antonio Missions are more than just places to look at old buildings (although, let's be honest, that can be pretty fun too). You can wander through the mission grounds, pretend you're a missionary spreading the good word (or dodging arrows, depending on your perspective), and take in the history. There are also ranger talks, living history demonstrations, and special events throughout the year. You might even learn to make some of those breakfast tacos we mentioned earlier (because, seriously, they're that good).
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
Pro Tip: The Mission Trail is a great way to see all the missions. It's a multi-use trail so you can hike, bike, or even horseback ride your way through history (although, a regular horse might be easier to find than a historical one).
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So You Want to Be a Mission Expert? How To...
How to get to the San Antonio Missions: They're all pretty close together, so you can drive or hop on a bus to get there.
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
How much does it cost to visit: Most of the missions are free to enter, but there might be a small fee for parking or special events.
How much time do I need: You could spend a few hours at each mission, or just breeze through them all in a half day. It's all up to you!
Tip: Slow down when you hit important details.
What should I wear: Comfortable shoes are a must, since you'll probably be doing some walking. Otherwise, just dress for the Texas weather (which can be unpredictable, to say the least).
Are the missions haunted: We can't say for sure, but with a history this long, there's bound to be a ghost story or two floating around. Just be respectful and maybe the friendly spirits will give you a good taco recommendation.
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